Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading

Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.

Deuteronomy 25:4

Commentary

Muzzling the ox would have kept the ox from eating from the grain while it worked. This command from the laws of Moses reminds us that it is not unreasonable to provide for the needs of an animal that is producing profit for us. Remember that this was written after God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt; where they were treated as little more than animals. To allow the ox to eat the grain that it's treading tells us that He cares that we benefit from the results of our work.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Proverbs 12:10 - A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

Proverbs 12:10

Commentary

This proverb follows a commonly used literary tool of contrast. To follow in the ways of God (the righteous) causes one to pay attention to the smallest details with care. In a similar way, those who resist the ways of God (the wicked) have no hope of compensating for their hardness of heart. Even acts of kindness won't cover selfish motives.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC